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The footy community is mourning the passing of University Blues U19s player Will Richter, who sadly died on Monday, September 22.
Richter devastatingly passed away following a road traffic accident in Kensington.
The Victoria Amateur Football Association (VAFA) announced the news on its website earlier today.
‘The VAFA is extremely saddened to report on the passing of University Blues Under 19 player Will Richter,’ the league wrote.
VAFA added: ‘Described by his Under 19 coach Steve Boakes as a very talented and likeable young man, Will’s passing has had a profound impact on the University Blues and Melbourne University communities.’
‘Will was living on the University campus at Trinity College and was the star of the college football grand final, kicking the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.
U19s local Melbourne footy player Will Richter tragically passed away last Monday following a road traffic accident
‘We send our deepest condolences to Will’s parents, Andie and Tim, sister Sophie, and all his family and friends,’ the VAFA added.
‘Funeral details will be shared as soon as they become available.’
His father, Tim Richter, said that the family had celebrated his 19th birthday on September 21.
Mr Richter thanked the sporting community for sending their condolences to the family.
‘We so appreciate the support and love we are feeling from the entire community at this difficult time for our family,’ he said to The Herald Sun.
‘Let’s continue to live Will’s values and be kind to one another, smile and show gratitude for all that we have and all we have had and lost.’
His old team, Flemington Junior Football Club also paid tribute to Richter, stating that he was the kind of player every club dreams of having.
‘The Kensington Flemington Junior Sports Club is devastated by the tragic news of the sudden passing of Will Richter,’ the club said in a statement.
Tributes have been paid by many, including the Flemington Junior Football Club, who issued a statement on Facebook
Will (pictured front, centre) was praised by his coach as 'a very talented and likeable young man'
‘Will represented our Junior Football and Cricket Clubs with distinction over many years.
‘Will was the kind of player every club dreams of — dedicated, passionate, and committed to giving his best. He was always the first to arrive at training and gave his all at training and on game day. His talents were consistently recognised, not only within our own Club Football and Cricket Award counts but also across the Football League Best and Fairest counts and Cricket Competition Awards as well as earning his way into representative squads for both football and cricket.
‘His pursuit of excellence, his drive, and his love for the game made him stand out as did his patience and humour, while passing down his love of the game to the next generation of our Junior Colts as one of our Junior Auskick coaches. But more than that, it was his presence and on-field impact that will be remembered most.
‘Will’s loss leaves a hole in our community and in the hearts of all who knew him. We send our deepest condolences to his family - Tim, Andie and Sophie - and his Junior Sports Club friends.
‘Rest in peace, Will. You will forever be part of the Kensington Flemington Junior Sports Club.’
The Kensington Junior Cricket Club added: ’Our Flemington/Kensington community have been devastated by the sudden loss of Will Richter and many have expressed a desire to support Andie, Tim and Sophie during this heartbreaking time.’
